Sovtek KT88s? I think those are even cheaper than the stock tubes, and they sound better than the stock? That's great. I have the Telefunken smooth plate 12AX7s.
Bob Carver 180 Mono-blocks perform superbly
Is anyone in the Audiogon community using the Bob Carver 180 mono-blocks? I just placed a new pair in my system and I am really amazed at their performance. I am using them with the PS Audio PWD/PWT, First Sound MK-III and Tyler Acoustics D1 speakers. The price to performance ratio is outstanding. The Bob Carver 180's are producing an extremely clean, clear and open sound-stage. I can safely say they will compete with mono-blocks costing much more.
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That's great you found affordable better KT88s. I read on thetubestore.com that the Sovtek has tight bass except for the very bottom end. What is your assessment of the very bottom end of this tube? The EAT tubes are crazy expensive, and I've read they have reliability issues. I was considering Northern Electric KT88s which are "only" $198 per tube. Some very positive user reviews claim the NE is as good as the EAT tubes. The Carver's deserves the very best tube you can find. http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/KT88-Tube-Types/Northern-Electric-KT88 |
Thanks again Drac on your thoughts. Yes, I think the Bobs deserve very good tubes plus cables. I have tried a few different IC's from my source to the Bobs with great results. I have a pair of Wywires Gold and also Jorma Unity RCAs. Having difficulty deciding which sounds better. Also the power cables into each Bobs are Wywires Juice II Blue which are moderately priced and sound great into the Bobs. Previously was using just stock power cables as the amps were running in. |
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